MUSP 136: Percussion Ensemble I

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 1
Total Contact Hours: 44
Lecture Hours : 18
Lab Hours: 26
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 36
Prerequisite: Audition.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

A course for percussionists in the study, rehearsal, and performance of classical, modern and novelty percussion ensemble chamber music with a focus on the small to medium size (4 - 16) ensemble setting. Students will explore the rhythmic and stylistic idiosyncrasies of this group of musical styles in sectional and full ensemble settings, with the intention of public performance. Public performance required. 18 lecture hours, 26 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Analyze the relationship of a musician within a team of musicians in an ensemble setting by participating in in-class discussions and rehearsal situations in order to examine and analyze their role with other performers, the conductor and audience.
  • Demonstrate improved understanding of percussion instruments and increasingly complex styles of chamber music in through individual and group instrumental music testing in order to analyze and articulate their differences and similarities. Create their own practice patterns and/or pieces through solo and small group testing and performance opportunities in order to improve their musicianship and be more effective in their desired musical pursuits. Choose and/or make instruments for concert use through performance and rehearsal evaluation in order to be more flexible in solving similar musical problems that they may encounter in the future.
  • Perform intermediate percussion ensemble pieces through solo and small group testing, rehearsing and performance situations in order to develop an increased sensitivity to the diversity of classical percussion music. Interact with other musicians personally and musically through rehearsal and performance evaluation in order to develop interpersonal skills. Display an increased confidence with performing music in public through a wide range of performance opportunities in order to increase their self-esteem and performance skills.
  • Organize and assemble a percussion ensemble performance situation through guided discussions, performance evaluation and independent and directed small group study and testing in order to expose the student to an authentic performance situation.

Major Course Content

  1. Review and further study of various styles of percussion ensemble and chamber music.
  2. Study and analysis of the distinguishing and similar characteristic elements of the various styles.
  3. Comprehension of the vocabulary and rudiments of proper technique and appropriate musical context for performing.
  4. Sight-reading skills for present and future performances.
  5. Design, organization, and publicity of a small percussion ensemble performance.
  6. Evaluation and constructive improvement of performances.

Lab Content

  1. Development of the ability to perform various styles in a variety of professional settings.
  2. Demonstration of knowledge of techniques and qualities of musicality.
  3. Development of proper rehearsal and performance techniques in small ensemble settings.
  4. Performance skill improvement and ensemble performance practices through public performance settings.
  5. How to participate in and run a sectional rehearsal.

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Handouts and literature provided by professor and online web sources

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Analysis of percussion in recorded and live performance settings

Examples of Outside Assignments

Personal practice of written material, rudiments and listening to literature pertinent to percussion settings

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab, Online Education Lecture, Online Education Lab